In the aftermath of the tsunami disaster in south Asia, local Nestlé companies - present in all the countries affected by the disaster – have been able to provide immediate and continued support by supplying food and beverage products, logistical means and technical expertise to the relevant authorities and relief organizations.

Nestlé is proud of the spontaneous action taken by local employees in the wake of this catastrophe and of their direct involvement in the relief efforts. Nestlé employees worldwide equally demonstrated their support and solidarity with the victims by making voluntary contributions to various relief organizations of their choice.

For the longer-term rebuilding of the region, the Nestlé Group will contribute to the efforts made by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the WEF Emergency Fund.

In Sri Lanka, Nestlé trucks used for transporting milk are being used to supply safe drinking water to displaced people. Nestlé is also making other trucks available to relief operations; for instance, sampling vehicles are used to supply meals to people in need. In addition, Nestlé was donated CHF 100,000 worth of milk products to the Sri Lankan Red Cross and other organizations able to distribute them in safe conditions. Finally, Nestlé employees in Sri Lanka are giving two days' salary to help the relief effort.

In India, Nestlé has contributed to the tune of CHF 120,000 in the form of UHT milk, sweetened condensed milk and instant noodles, supplied through the Indian Red Cross to the people in the affected areas. A cash donation was made to the Prime Ministers' Relief Fund. Additionally, the employees made voluntary donations to the same fund.

In Thailand, supplies of Nestlé Pure Life bottled water were immediately pulled in from various distributors in the south to support disaster relief in Phuket. Nestlé has been supplying various ready-to-drink milk products to government organizations and NGOs directly involved in disaster relief both in Phuket and Bangkok. Nestlé has pledged CHF 310,000 to the Thai Red Cross and a number of local staff have been directly involved in relief efforts.

In Indonesia, Nestlé has sent about CHF 200,000 worth of products to victims, including ready-to-drink malted beverages, milk cereals, sweetened condensed milk and milk powder. Another donation of the same importance was made completed. These supplies were transported by air and by sea to the affected areas under the supervision of the Indonesian Red Crescent and many other governmental and non-governmental relief organizations. Through our joint-venture partner, Nestlé Waters in Indonesia donated large quantities of bottled water to the Red Crescent for the survivors and the rescue teams.

Nestlé Malaysia has been using its sampling vans since December 27 in Penang, Kedah and Langkawi in order to provide food to the homeless and the rescue teams. In addition, the company donated 1,000 cases of food products to a Malaysian NGO for distribution in Aceh. More food products were provided to the Malaysian Red Crescent Society. Nestlé staff members in Malaysian furthermore donated clothes, shoes, blankets and other necessities to the Red Crescent.

Nestlé, both in the concerned countries as well as at Group level, will continue to monitor the situation in South Asia, so as to respond quickly and efficiently to calls for assistance. Now that the large-scale international aid and reconstruction is under way, Nestlé, as a good corporate citizen in all the countries in South Asia, will be ready to help with an effective, medium-term project.

Update: January 10 2005 1715 Swiss